This blog is for Polk County Florida small farms and pesticide applicators as a method of communication and sharing information. This blog is administered by the University of Florida IFAS Extension Polk County Extension Agent, Mary Beth Henry.

Thursday, November 8, 2012

New Lawn and Garden Publications, October 2012

This email lists new and revised EDIS publications that have been released to the public in October 2012. They are now available on the web at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu. This mailing only includes publications in the Lawn & Garden program area. Please see separate mailings for publications in other program areas.

Although it is commonly referred to as the pepper fruit fly or tomato fruit fly, Atherigona orientalis is not a true fruit fly in the family Tephritidae, but rather a member of the Muscidae, the same family to which the common house fly belongs. It is found in most tropical and subtropical areas of the world and is usually considered a secondary pest or "trash fly." But it can sometimes be a primary pest of certain agricultural crops, most notably plants in the family Solanaceae. This 4-page fact sheet was written by Kenneth L. Hibbard and William A. Overholt, and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, September 2012.http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in948

New Hydrangeas for North and Central Florida: Bigleaf and Mountain Hydrangeas (ENH1034/EP287)

Discoveries of reflowering hydrangeas have resulted in the introduction of many new cultivars, providing more garden impact and strengthening ongoing hydrangea appreciation. Even prior to the new reflowering cultivars, gardeners and landscapers had renewed interest in hydrangeas because they flower in shade, often produce blue flowers, and are considered an "heirloom" plant that reminds us of the garden heritage of our forefathers. Many of the newer cultivars have superior form and disease resistance, and some provide 15 or more weeks of flowering per year in north Florida. This 5-page fact sheet was written by Gary W. Knox, and published by the UF Department of Environmental Horticulture, September 2012.http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep287

Forest Management in the Interface: Reducing Fire Risk (FOR179/FR249)

Wildfire is one of the most serious and publicized challenges facing interface forest management. Wildfires can change forest vegetation, affect human health, and cause millions of dollars' worth of damage to homes, businesses, timber, and tourism. This 5-page fact sheet outlines tips for the firewise community development, design of structures, landscaping and fuel reduction. Written by Bruce Hull, Sarah F. Ashton, Rien M. Visser, and Martha C. Monroe, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, August 2012.http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr249

Callistemon salignus, White Bottlebrush (FOR292/FR360)

Native to Australia, this evergreen tree has use as an ornamental tree that produces moderate shade along a street, median, or yard. The unique flowering structure is eye-catching and it can be pruned for use as a decorative hedge. Its tolerance of many different soil types and droughty conditions makes it easy to care for after it's been established. This 2-page fact sheet was written by Michael Andreu, Melissa Friedman, Robert Northrop, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, July 2012.http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr360

Pyrus communis, Common Pear (FOR293/FR361)

The showy flowers and manageable height of common pear makes it a favorable ornamental landscape tree. Some find the aromatic flowers and sweet edible fruits to be an additional plus; however, a pollinator specimen must be nearby in order for the female tree to produce fruit. Careful consideration should be taken when choosing a planting location, since the soft fruits can be messy if not harvested. This 2-page fact sheet was written by Michael G. Andreu, Melissa H. Friedman, and Robert J. Northrop, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, July 2012.http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr361

Cassia grandis, Pink Shower (FOR294/FR362)

The name "pink shower" comes from the bright pink blossoms that this tree produces. It is sometimes called "stinking tree" because the pulp in its pods has a very strong smell. This 2-page fact sheet was written by Michael G. Andreu, Melissa H. Friedman, and Robert J. Northrop, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, July 2012.http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr362

Cassia leptophylla, Gold Medallion Tree (FOR295/FR363)

The gold medallion tree is planted primarily as a shade tree or as a decorative specimen for the yard or street. Many people like this tree because of its fast growth rate and showy, bright yellow clusters of flowers that bloom in the summer months. This tree loses its leaves for a very short period each year, but leaves are quickly replaced. Pruning the tree to one main leading stem from which major branches are attached can help increase its strength and sturdiness against strong wind events. The golden medallion tree is also naturally pest resistant, and as long as it is grown in areas where the temperature does not drop below freezing, it is an easy tree to care for. This 2-page fact sheet was written by Michael G. Andreu, Melissa H. Friedman, and Robert J. Northrop, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, July 2012.http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr363

Cassia afrofistula, Kenyan Cassia (FOR296/FR364)

The Kenyan cassia can be used as a showy ornamental tree or shrub, with its dark foliage and bright yellow flowers. Some people find the seed pods to be unattractive and prune the tree after it flowers to prevent pods from developing. This tree tolerates a wide range of soil types and can be used in a garden, park, patio, or streetscape setting. This 2-page fact sheet was written by Michael G. Andreu, Melissa H. Friedman, and Robert J. Northrop, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, July 2012.http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr364

Casuarina equisetifolia, Australian Pine (FOR298/FR366)

Australian pine was originally planted in Florida in the late 1800′s as a windbreak and for shade. But soon thereafter it was spreading without help from humans. Today it is considered a category I invasive species in Florida, and the Division of Plant Industry strictly prohibits possessing, transporting, and cultivating this species. For those who find this tree in close proximity to their home, it's a good idea to replace it since Australian pine is known to have a very low resistance to wind. Australian pine is commonly found growing on coastal shorelines since it thrives in salty, sandy environments. This 2-page fact sheet was written by Michael G. Andreu, Melissa H. Friedman, and Robert J. Northrop, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, July 2012.http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr366

Leucaena leucocephala, White Leadtree (FOR299/FR367)

In Florida, white leadtree is a prohibited species and therefore is not used in commercial applications in the state. However, in its native range it is used as a source of charcoal, fuel, and lumber. It has also been planted as a windbreak for crops such as coffee and cocoa, and some ranchers use the tree as a source of both shade and forage for cattle, with the pods being an excellent source of protein. In addition, as white leadtree forms a well-developed taproot, it has been planted to assist with erosion control. This 2-page fact sheet was written by Michael G. Andreu, Melissa H. Friedman, and Robert J. Northrop, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, July 2012.http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr367

Fortunella spp., Kumquat (FOR300/FR368)

Many people find kumquat trees attractive and useful yard specimens. Their dark green leaves and contrasting bright orange fruits give them ornamental quality, and their relatively small size makes them easy to care for once they're established. Because kumquats generally require less care than other citrus trees, they may be a good choice for gardeners with less time or experience, but who still desire an attractive and tasty citrus tree. If space is an issue, kumquats also do well in containers as long as they receive proper sunlight and watering. This 2-page fact sheet was written by Michael G. Andreu, Melissa H. Friedman, and Robert J. Northrop, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, July 2012.http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr368

Gleditsia aquatica, Water Locust (FOR301/FR369)

Water locust's wide, spreading root system and affinity for hydric conditions makes it a useful specimen for erosion control on wet banks of freshwater systems. While not widely available, planting this tree in residential yards or other public locations may be less than ideal, since the long and sharply pointed thorns on the main trunk and branches can be hazardous. This deciduous tree is native to Florida. This 2-page fact sheet was written by Michael G. Andreu, Melissa H. Friedman, and Robert J. Northrop, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, July 2012.http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr369

Hippomane mancinella, Manchineel (FOR302/FR370)

This poisonous tree is native to southern Florida, the Keys, many of the Caribbean islands, Mexico, and Central America. Though it is poisonous to humans and many animals, iguanas are eat the fruit and sometimes live among the tree's limbs. It's found along the seacoasts and in brackish swamps where it grows among mangroves. Each leaf has a small gland where the leaf joins the stem. The bark is reddish-to-grayish brown and cracked looking. Flowers inconspicuous, but the spikes or leafless stems that the flowers emerge from are visible. The fruit is bright-green and looks like a small apple. This 2-page fact sheet was written by Michael G. Andreu and Melissa H. Friedman, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, July 2012.http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr370

Tabebuia serratifolia, Yellow Trumpet Tree (FOR303/FR371)

This deciduous tree is native to South and Central America is commonly planted in Florida as an ornamental landscape and shade tree. It has attractive bright, yellow blossoms produced in the absence of leaves. Once established, this tree is drought tolerant, making it easier to care for and less demanding on water resources. Yellow trumpet tree also has a relatively high tolerance to salt spray, and therefore is an appropriate street tree or yard specimen in coastal areas.This 2-page fact sheet was written by Michael G. Andreu, Melissa H. Friedman, and Robert J. Northrop, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, July 2012.http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr371